alchemy

noun

Definition of alchemynext
1
as in occultism
the power to control natural forces through supernatural means … an alchemy that changed metals rarer than gold into elements more baneful than lead.—James Gleick

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2
as in magic
the power to do something impressive in a way that seems mysterious or supernatural They marveled at the digital alchemy that turns lines of computer code into a beautiful user interface.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of alchemy Daoist ideas of alchemy play an important role in this relationship. — Michael Naparstek, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 And that’s where Musk somehow is just able to be this movable lightning rod that can do financial alchemy, but then also this attention alchemy. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 Previously, pulling off this kind of quantum alchemy required blinding, high-intensity laboratory lasers. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 June 2026 What created the album’s alchemy is more obvious in retrospect. — Natalie Weiner, Pitchfork, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for alchemy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for alchemy
  1. occultism
  2. magic
  3. sorcery
  4. witchcraft
  5. wizardry
Noun
  • In one example, some teachers are let into the fictional realm of Agartha, which is a key setting in neo-Nazi occultism where everyone is white and blond.
    — Owen Carry, Wired News, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The transformation of Tarocchi into a divinatory tool began in the late 18th century, driven by the rise of occultism in France.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Feb. 2026
Definition of occultism
Noun
  • The interactions between Bourdain and Ciro are pure movie magic and that’s due partly to the performances — both actors have to be in the Oscar race — as well as to the screenplay by Johnson, Todd Bartels, Lou Howe and Matthew Miller.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The kitchen men restarted their cheering as if someone in there was doing stage magic, and Uncle Jimmy leaned closer so he could be heard.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of magic
Noun
  • These are some of man's most sorcery-like achievements, providing materials with excellent engineering properties.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • Come to Eternia, the mythical home of flying dragon-like creatures, and swords, and sorcery, and spaceships — really, all the stuff a 12-year-old science fiction fanatic loves.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2026
Definition of sorcery
Noun
  • Connecticut has an association with witchcraft that’s as long and dishonorable as anything that happened in Massachusetts.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Helen’s famous face has been disfigured, presumably by her angry husband, Menelaus; the sorceress Circe uses her witchcraft in self-defense, seemingly as a result of traumatic encounters with men.
    — Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
Definition of witchcraft
Noun
  • By some architectural wizardry of concrete and glass the pictures inside stand to attention, as if they, too, are suspended in time and space—a collection that faces in one direction, in orderly fashion, like the Terracotta Army.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 July 2026
  • Anyway, Will Venable has my imaginary vote, though Mike Vasil's wizardry might be the bigger reason why the White Sox are rolling.
    — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of wizardry

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Cite this Entry

“Alchemy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/alchemy. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alchemy

Nglish: Translation of alchemy for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alchemy

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